A New Look?

I was browsing through the web, and ended up watching one of 2ne1's videos- one called 'I am the best'. It was fairly recent, 2011, and quickly became a firm favourite of mine. The lyrics are kind of narcissistic if you look at it from a negative perspective- but it's a great strutting song if your feeling confident. I was feeling confident when I put together this look which is partially inspired by what's worn in the video. It was more thrown then put with no make up or hair effort. I just thought it was kinda cool.

Most of the items are from new look, the skirt was damaged and on sale so I had to sow the waistband. I don't think I can sow it back. The ring is from the concessions brand of New Look jewellery and I bought it a couple of months back so I don't know whether or not this is still available.

            The spikes are available in both gold and silver. The necklace is actually for jeans but I like how chunky it is so I stuck it around my neck instead!
           
The jacket was a hand-me-down from my wonderful Auntie Clare. I love the shoes, I snagged them for a tenner at New Look to- I love you discount~!

The second look was random- I fell in and out of my wardrobe and think I got lucky. What do you think?

I wanted something cute with pastels that looked a little nautical because I'm still not over my sailor phase. I'll get a few more years out of those shorts- I'm determined! For a semi-accident, I think I did rather well here. And I'm definitely using my afro to it's full potential this spring/summer!

Bring on the sun, the rain, the joy and the pain!

That was so lame...

Am I not my hair?

Hello,

This entry is solely about hair and self image so if you're like me and shallow read on. If you are looking for a deeply philosophical exploration of any kind, I suggest you skip to the next blog. Or the next entry depending upon when you stumble across this.

I wonder about hair a lot. Perhaps too much. I try to pin it on my current job in fashion retail. Essentially I'm flogging pretty things to people who want to be pretty. But I think my obsession goes further back than that, way into primary school. The issue I wanted to address though, despite being a bit of a non issue, is the issue of natural afro hair.

Why ladies do we shy away from the ever archaic afro? There is nothing wrong with relaxing, texturising or perming your hair. In fact it seems more of an accepted norm for a woman with curly or afro hair to use chemical's to straighten and alter their natural hair, than it is for them to keep it natural. I understand that fashion dictates that straight is great and anything other than straight or wavy is 'frizzy' and should be outlawed. That rule is perfect for those who have naturally straight hair.

Why then do those with the 'frizz' feel the need to conform to these rules as well? Personally, I have stopped relaxing my hair. I have 'gone natural' but I'm not trying to be subversive and militant. Growing my hair out isn't my way of sticking it to the man. I just think it's beautiful the way it grows. Just like that.

I also think it's a shame that there are few people who agree with me. Many women look beautiful with weaves and perms, in fact most of the black and mixed raced sex symbols of this decade wear their hair straight. I think these women are beautiful and should be celebrated.

Nevertheless there are a few women I personally relate more to and who I think are beautiful. One of them is American songstress Janelle Monae whose afro-pompadour hair style is a want for me. Another is the lead singer of the band 'The Noisettes' Shingai Shoniwa who has a really quirky style as well as unique ways of styling natural hair.

However you choose to wear your hair should make you happy. It matters less than most things. But it matters quite a bit to me. For the time being I am proud of my hair as it spirals however erratically out of my head. Maybe in the future I will change my name and my blog- the title no longer being relevant.

Therefore, for the time being I shall remain one of a dying race.

An Afro-Samurai...